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Murkowski names acting commissioners

Posted: Wednesday, December 04, 2002

JUNEAU (AP) -- Three commissioners will remain at their jobs at least temporarily under the Murkowski administration, the governor's office said.

Public Safety Commissioner Del Smith and Adjutant General Phillip Oates were asked to stay on with the administration temporarily due to heightened concerns for homeland security, the governor's office said. Education Commissioner Shirley Holloway will continue to serve at the pleasure of the state Board of Education and Early Development, the governor's office said.

Smith said he was asked by former chief of staff David Ramseur to stay on with the administration after Gov. Tony Knowles leaves office.

''I am willing to stay for the short term, but I am not interested in staying,'' Smith said. ''I would imagine they want their people in place before the Legislature starts (on Jan. 21).''

The governor's office gave no indication how long the two would remain on the job. Smith said he estimates it will take at least two weeks to name a replacement.

Gov. Frank Murkowski was in Anchorage on Tuesday touring state offices for the Department of Natural Resources and the state Division of Oil and Gas.

The Murkowski administration also named acting commissioners for 10 other state agencies. The acting commissioners have agreed to stay on until permanent appointments are made, the governor's office said.